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International Journal of Computational and Electronic Aspects in Engineering (IJCEAE)
Volume 7 · Issue 4 · August 2026 · pp. 362–376
Research Article · Peer Reviewed
Received: May 20, 2026 · Accepted: July 31, 2026 · Published: August 16, 2026
DOI: 10.26706/ijceae.7.4.20260805
Open Access · CC BY 4.0

Zero-Wire Communication in Multi-Module Converters: Data Transfer via Modulated Ripple Signals

Ammar S. Mohammad*
Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Technology-Iraq, Baghdad, Iraq.
*Corresponding author: ammar.s.mohammed@uotechnology.edu.iq
Download PDF Cite this article Certificate Volume 7 Issue 4

Abstract

This paper introduces a zero-wire communication (ZWC) paradigm for modular power electronic systems to improve functionality through enhanced data transmission without the necessity of additional infrastructure. The proposed approach is based on the recognition that data can be transmitted through electrical wiring that is already present as part of the power distribution structure. Consequently, the proposed ZWC approach leverages the ways by which switching waveforms are created to introduce components in the frequency spectrum of the output voltage that are exploitable for the transmission of data. Because it is based on intrinsic switching ripple caused by modular and redundant architectures, the approach is robust and reliable. In addition, the ZWC helps address modern communication protocols by enabling the use of existing architecture. It enables new regulatory frameworks, such as the IEC61850 standards for power electronics which specify the sharing of dynamic information between power electronics converters and grids, as well as control loops in power system internals (such as dc micro grids, or grid frequency following in isolated dc grids).

The proposed ZWC transfers data at bit rates of 1–10 kbps over 5–20 converter modules with a bit error ratio (BER) of less than 10⁻⁵ while ensuring electromagnetic interference (EMI) compliance on the communication-channel side. The zerowire communication links are designed to be unidirectional and can provide a degree of electrical isolation which sets them apart from conventional communication protocols. Overall, the links are characterized by low power dissipation, compact implementation, and the ability to be enhanced for increased data rates. Communication is enabled for interleaved DC-DC converters and cascaded H-bridge inverters. The proposed zero-wire communication is validated at the hardware-in-the-loop level with a modular multilevel converter in a multi-state configuration with independent voltage sources representing a dc microgrid.

Keywords

Zero-wire communication Modulated ripple Multi-module converters Power line communication Talkative power conversion Interleaved converters Modular multilevel converters ASK/FSK modulation Edge AI Condition monitoring

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